10 Easy Ways to Fix Apple Pencil Connected But Now Working

User Concern

“My Apple Pencil is showing connected but not working though it is showing 100% battery. Please tell me how I can fix this issue, it's been like this for days.”

The Apple Pencil is a great tool that makes using your iPad easier and more fun. You can use it to draw, take notes by hand, or move around your screen. But sometimes, even when it’s connected, the Apple Pencil might stop working. This can happen for a few reasons, like low battery, connection issues, or pairing problems.

Luckily, these issues are usually easy to fix. In this guide, we’ll explain why your Apple Pencil might be connected but not working, and show you simple ways to fix it. These tips work for the Apple Pencil 1st and 2nd generation, the USB-C Apple Pencil, and the new Apple Pencil Pro. Let’s get started and bring your Apple Pencil back to life.

Why is My Apple Pencil Connected but Not Working?

Here are some common reasons why your Apple Pencil might be connected but still not working:

• Low Battery – One of the most common causes is a low battery. If your Apple Pencil’s charge drops to around 1–2%, it may stop working even though it says it’s connected.
• Loose Tip – The tip of the Apple Pencil needs to be screwed in tightly. If it’s loose, the iPad may not detect your touch properly. This could be why the Pencil is connected but not responding.
• Pairing Errors – A simple pairing glitch can also be the cause. Maybe the Pencil didn’t connect properly to your iPad, or a recent iOS update caused a temporary connection issue.
• Hardware Issues – Sometimes, the problem is with the Pencil itself. It could have internal damage, like a broken sensor or a worn-out battery, which might stop it from working.

How to Fix Apple Pencil Connected but Not Working Issue

Now that we’ve gone over the possible reasons your Apple Pencil isn’t working or connecting, let’s look at how to fix it.

1. Charge Your Apple Pencil

A completely drained battery is often the main reason your Apple Pencil stops working. If you're not sure whether it has any charge, plug it in and wait about 10 minutes before trying to use it again. Here is how to charge your Apple Pencil:

• 1st Generation: Take off the cap at the end and plug the Pencil directly into your iPad’s Lightning port.
• 2nd Generation: Attach the flat side of the Pencil to the magnetic edge of your iPad.
• USB-C Model: Slide the cap open to access the USB-C port, then use the included cable to connect it to your iPad’s USB-C port.
• Apple Pencil Pro: Charge it by magnetically attaching it to the side of your iPad, just like the 2nd gen model.

Let it charge for around 10 minutes, then try using it again to see if the issue is fixed.

2. Confirm the Compatibility with iPad

Your Apple Pencil might be connected but not working due to compatibility issues. There are four different versions of the Apple Pencil, and each one only works with certain iPad models. So before trying other fixes, make sure your Apple Pencil is actually compatible with your iPad - if it’s not, it won’t function properly.

3. Make Sure Bluetooth Is Enabled

If your Apple Pencil still isn’t working after charging, it might have disconnected from your iPad. To reconnect it, check that Bluetooth is turned on:

• Open Settings on your iPad and tap Bluetooth.
• If Bluetooth is off, switch it on.
• If it’s already on, try turning it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

This can help refresh the connection between your iPad and Apple Pencil.

4. Check the Apple Pencil’s Tip

In case your Apple pencil says connected but not working, it’s possible the tip is loose. You can fix this by just gently twisting the tip into the Apple Pencil until it gets screwed in tightly. If the Pencil still not work after doing that, try removing the tip and then twisting it back in gain. You can as well try replacing the tip if it looks worn out.

5. Forget Apple Pencil from Bluetooth

Sometimes, pairing issues can stop your Apple Pencil from working, even if it has enough charge. It might not respond until you attach it to the iPad again - then suddenly, it starts working. This is usually due to a connection glitch.

To fix this, remove the Apple Pencil from your Bluetooth device list and pair it again. Here’s how to do it:

• Open the Settings app on your iPad, then go to Bluetooth and look under My Devices.
• Find your Apple Pencil, then tap the info icon (the “i” in a circle) next to it.
• Tap Forget This Device, and confirm by selecting Forget Device in the pop-up message.

How to Reconnect Your Apple Pencil:

• 1st Generation: Insert the Pencil into your iPad’s Lightning port. When the Pair option appears on the screen, tap it.
• 2nd Generation / Pro: Simply attach the Pencil to the magnetic side of your iPad. A pairing message will appear - just follow the prompt.
• USB-C Model: Use the included USB-C cable to connect the Pencil to your iPad. Slide open the cap, plug it in, and tap Connect when the prompt shows up.

6. Restart Your iPad

Sometimes, the issue might be with your iPad, not the Apple Pencil. Restarting your iPad can help fix this by refreshing the system and clearing temporary memory. This can remove small bugs or glitches that may be stopping the Pencil from working properly.

For iPads with Face ID or no Home button:

• Press and hold the Top button and either Volume button until the power off slider appears.
• Drag the slider to turn off the iPad.
• Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the Top button again until the Apple logo appears.

For iPads with a Home button:

• Press and hold the Top button until the power off slider appears.
• Drag the slider to turn it off.
• After the screen goes black, press and hold the Top button again until you see the Apple logo.

7. Check If the Pencil Works in a Supported App

Not all apps work with the Apple Pencil. To check if your Pencil is working, try using it in an app that supports it - the Notes app is a good choice. It’s a reliable way to test your Pencil. You’ll usually find Notes on your iPad’s home screen, but if not, you can download it from the App Store.

8. Update iPadOS to the Latest Version

If your Apple Pencil works on another iPad, the problem might be with your iPad. In that case, updating your iPad’s software could help fix the issue. Here’s how to update iPadOS:

• Open the Settings app on your iPad, then go to General and tap Software Update.
• Your iPad will check for any available updates. If an update is found, tap Download and Install.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the update to complete. Once your iPad restarts, try using your Apple Pencil again to see if the issue is resolved.

9. Fix iPadOS with FoneGeek iOS System Recovery

If your Apple Pencil isn’t connecting due to an unknown issue or a system glitch in iPadOS, you can use FoneGeek iOS System Recovery to fix it. This reliable and budget-friendly tool can detect and repair underlying system problems quickly, helping your Apple Pencil work properly again.

Main Features of FoneGeek iOS System Recovery:

• Efficiently resolves various iOS and iPadOS system issues - such as device stuck on the Apple logo, black screen, boot loops, etc. without any data loss.
• Allows you to safely downgrade your iPhone or iPad to a previous iOS version without jailbreaking or complex steps.
• Enables or exits Recovery Mode instantly with just one click, ideal for unresponsive or stuck devices.
• Effectively bypasses a wide range of iTunes-related errors, including update, restore, and sync failures.
• Fully compatible with all iPhone and iPad models, including the latest iPhone 16 and iPadOS Pro devices.

Steps on fixing Apple Pencil not working but connected with FoneGeek iOS System Recovery:

• Download FoneGeek iOS System Recovery from the official website and install it on your computer. Once installed, launch the program and select Standard Mode.

• Next, connect your iPad to the computer using a USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter Recovery Mode or DFU Mode.
• The software will then automatically detect and suggest the appropriate firmware for your device. Once it appears, click Download to start downloading the firmware package.

• After the download is complete, click Fix Now to begin the repair. When the process finishes, your iPad will restart and your Apple Pencil issue should be resolved.

10. Contact Apple Support

If none of the steps have solved the problem, it’s time to contact Apple Support. The Apple Pencil is usually covered by a one-year limited warranty. If it’s no longer under warranty, Apple can still help - a battery replacement typically costs around $29. You can call Apple, make an appointment at a Genius Bar, or visit the Apple Support website to arrange a mail-in repair or replacement.

Conclusion

We’ve covered several simple and effective solutions to fix the issue of your Apple Pencil being connected but not working. These quick fixes are easy to follow and don’t require any technical experience -— just basic steps that often get the Pencil working again.

But if the problem is caused by an issue with iPadOS and the basic fixes don’t help, try using FoneGeek iOS System Recovery. It’s a trusted tool that can automatically fix iOS/iPadOS system problems. If nothing else works, this is a good way to solve any deeper issues with your iPad.